Boiler feed control



New. 7 1933 0. F. CARLSON BOILER FEED CONTROL Filed Feb. 5. 19m

4 Sheets-Sheet l WA TE LEI EL lnfrib V% Nam 7,, 1 933.

0. F. CARLSON 11,934,48fi

BOILER FEED CONTROL Filed Feb. 5, 1951 4 sheets-sheet 2 NQVO 7, 3133 Q CARLSQN LQBQ ASG BOILER FEED CONTROL Filed Feb. 5, 1931 4 Sheets-Sheet f5 Nov. 7, 1933. o. F. CARLSON BOILER FEED CONTROL Filed'Feb. 5, 1931 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 155 i 5 W76 1% X 7] 60 15/ 3 jg I "51 causes foaming or excessive agitation of the water Patented Nova 7, 1193333 urur srras ranges BOILER FEED CONTROL Oscar F. Carlson, Chicago, llll., assignor of onehalf to Oscar 1F. Carlson Company, Chicago,

llll., a corporation of Everett N. McDonnell, Chicago, Ill.

Application February 5,

39 Claims.

The present invention relates generally to valves and more particularly to float controlled valves by which the height of liquids in vessels may be automatically regulated.

Such devices have been commonly known as feed water regulators, liquid level regulators and the like, and are commonly employed on low pressure boilers, such as those frequently used in steam and hot water heating plants, feed-water heaters for steam engine boilers, and other similar installations.

Generally speaking, devices of this kind usually comprise a valve interposed in the feed line lead.

ing from the source of supply to the boiler and a float or other liquid level responsive means movably mounted in a float housing which is in communication with the boiler in such a manner that the level of the water in the boiler and in the float housing is the same. Operative connections between the movable float and the valve in the feed line of various kinds are provided. Heretofore it has usually been necessary to position these connections directly in the float housing on account of the difiiculty in securing a liquid tight packing between the float arm and the float housing. In addition, considerable difliculty has also been encountered in providing a liquid tight connection between the feed control valve and the operating connections therefor between the valve and the float.

One object of my invention, therefore, is the provision of improved packing or sealing means for the feed control valve and for the movable float in the float chamber so that all danger of leakage is obviated. Another object of my invention is to so construct and arrange the operating connections between the float and the valve that they are not exposed to the liquid either in the boiler or in the feed line so that there is little danger of these parts becoming rusty and inoperatlvev or otherwise disabled. This is quite important in that if any of the parts stick or fail to operate there is great danger that the water in the boiler may become too low with consequent injury to the boiler and considerable likelihood of expensive repairs.

In recent years it has become quite common to fire boilers using electrically driven oil burners and it is in such installations that my invention finds its greatest utility. Oil burners produce a hot flame and when starting up a boiler it sometimes occurs that the rapid heating of the boiler so that there is no definite liquid level therein. In this case there is a danger that portions of the llllinois, and one-half to 1931. Serial No. 513,485

(Cl. l3710l) boiler may become exposed with consequent warping and burning. In order to remedy this condition I propose to provide my feed water regulator with means which may be used to open the electric circuit so as to thereby shut 01f the oil burner.

Other objects and advantages of my invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the following detailed discussion of one preferred embodiment of the same taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an elevational view showing the boiler with my improved regulator mounted thereon;

Figure 2 is an enlarged vertical section substantially midway of my improved regulator and showing in full lines the position of the parts when the valve in the feed line is open and water is being passed to the boiler to raise the liquid level therein;

Figure 3 is a cross sectional view corresponding to the view shown in Figure 2 but showing the parts as they appear when the liquid level in the boiler is at the proper height and the float and associated parts holding the feed valve closed. This view also shows an electric circuit controlling switch which is adapted to be operated when the float falls to low Water position;

Figure 4 is an enlarged view taken substantially along the line 4-4 of Figure 2;

Figures 5 and 6 are cross sectional views taken along the lines 5-5 and 66, respectively, of Figure 2 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 'I is an enlarged detail showing a portion of the sealing bellows in section and a part in elevation and taken along the line 7-7 of Figure 2;

Figure 8 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken along the line 88 of Figure 4;

Figure 9 is an enlarged section showing the mounting of the self centering valve closure for the feed line;

Figure 10 is an enlarged cross section through a slightly modified form of the present invention, showing another form of packing or sealing means for the feed control valve, particularly adapted tosecure a quick operation of the valve and an effective seal or packing therefor;

Figure 11 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially along the line 1l--l1 of Figure l0; and

Figure 12 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view showing the mounting of the bellows sealing means on the supporting plate of the feed control valve.

Referring now to the drawings, the reference numeral 1 indicates a boiler, the type of vessel or container which I have chosen to illustrate one application of the use of my invention. Underneath the boiler 1 is the furnace 2 which may be fired by means of an oil burner 3 as is well known in the'art. Conduits or pipe lines 4 and 5 lead respectively from the top and bottom of the boiler 1 and are connected at their adjacent ends to my improved feed water regulator, indicated in its entirety by the reference numeral '7.

.As best shown in Figure 1, my improved regulator is disposed so as to lie substantially in a horizontal median plane which corresponds to the normal water line it is desired to maintain in the boiler. It is to be understood, of course, that this normal water line may vary in various types of boilers and that in diiferent installations the regulator '7 may occupy relatively different positions with respect to the boiler'than the one shown in Figure 1.

The pipes 4 and 5 are connected to the regulator '7 so as to substantially support the same and these pipes 4 and 5 are in communication, re-

spectively, with the top and bottom of the float housing or chamber 10 of the regulator '7, as best shown in Figure 2. The float housing 10 may be provided with threaded bosses 11 and 12 to receive the pipes 4 and 5, respectively. The float housing 10 is provided with a flanged opening 13 having the usual bolting flange 14 to which is secured, as by bolts 15, a cap or closure 16. The closure 16 is also provided with a bolting flange 17 which, for purposes of rigidity, may be channeled as indicated by the reference numeral 19. A gasket 20 is secured between the closure '16 and the float housing 10 so as to effect a liquid tight seal between these parts. From Figures 2 and 3 it will be noted that the closure 16 is conically formed and is provided with an opening 22 of a diameter considerably smaller than the opening 13. Adjacent the opening 22 the closure 13 is provided with a number of projections or bosses 23 which are threaded to receive cap screws 24 by which a closure plate 25 is secured to the closure 16. The plate 25 is provided with an opening 27 having a shoulder or flange 28 extending therearound, as best shown in Figure 3..

Mounted for up and down swinging in the float housing 10 is a float 30, preferably formed in the shape of a sphere of seamless copper or other desired or convenient material, and welded or otherwise secured to the float 30 is a nut member 31 by which the float :30 is threaded onto and secured to a float arm 32. The closure plate 25 is provided with a pair of apertured ears 33, see Figure 4, upon which is supported the pivot pin 34. Cotter keys 35 may be employed to retain the pivot pin 34 in proper position in the ears 33; The float arm 32 is provided with an apertured boss 36 to receive the pivot pin 34 whereby the float arm 32 is pivotally supported upon the plate 25 which, by means of the closure 16, is supported upon the float housing 10.

Since the float housing 10 is in communication with the boiler 1 it is necessary to prevent water and steam from passing out of the opening 22. It is also necessary, however, that the float arm be free to rise and fall with the changing level of water in the boiler and in the float housing 10. I have found that the most effective seal or packing which does not. restrain the float from swinging up and down but which, at the same time, effectively prevents the leakage of water and steam is one which takes the form of a flexible metal bellows,.such as the one indicated in Figures 2 and 3. This bellows or metallic packing is indicated by the reference numeral 3'7 and is corrugated to provide for resilient flexing of the same. One end of the bellows 37 is secured and sealed, as by soldering, brazing, and the like, to the flange 38 formed on the float arm 32 adjacent the pivot or fulcrum of the same, best shown in Figure 4. The other end of the bellows 37 is soldered or brazed to the flange 28 on the closure plate 25 and surrounding the opening 27. The bellows 37, being freely flexible, offers substantially no resistance to the oscillations of the float arm 32 and yet, being sealed at one end to the closure plate 25 and at the other end to the float arm 32, prevents all leakage from the float chamber 10 at this point.

Returning now to Figure 1, it will be observed that an intermediate housing 40 is secured to the closure 16 at one end and to the other end I of the intermediate housing 40 is secured a valve housing 41. Leading into the valve housing 41 is a feed pipe 42, and leading out of the valve housing 41 is a pipe 43, actually forming an extension of the feed pipe 42, the pipe 43 leading into the boiler in any known manner, as indicated by the referencenumeral 44 in Figure 1. If desired, a strainer 45 may be interposed between the pipe line 42 and the valve housing 41. A by-pass including a manually operated valve 48 may be installed so that when desired feed water may be directed into the boiler regardless of the position of theparts in the regulator '7. The bypass 47 is preferably connected to pipes 42 and 43 by the usual elbows and Ts, as is well known in the art. i The valve housing 41 includes a partition 50 having a threaded aperture therein which receives a valve seat member 51, best shown in Figure 9. A plate 53 completes the valve housing 41, and from Figure 2 it will be noted that the plate 53 is provided with a cylindrical boss 54 having an enlarged chamber to receive packing 55 which surrounds and seals the valve stem 56 passing through the plate 53. One end of the stem 56 is received within an opening or recess 58 formed in a valve closure member 59, best shown in Figure 9. One end of the valve closure 59 is tapered to conical form and the pointed end of the valve closure 59 is received into the valve seat 51. V

Preferably the valve closure 59 is formed of hardened stainless steel so as not to corrode and tne valve seat member 51 is preferably formed of soft stainless steel. The seat proper 61 of the valve member 51 may 'be formed by swaging so as to present a surface corresponding exactly to the tapered or conical surface of the valve closure 59. r

In order that the valve closure 59 may properly seat each time the valve is operated I contemplate loosely mounting the valve closure 59 on the stem 56 so that the closure 59 becomes substantially self-centering. As stated above, the valve stem 56 is received within a recess or opening 58 in the valve closure 59. This end of the stem 56 is provided with a relatively large opening 63 to loosely receive a pin or cotter key 64 passed through openings in the valve closure 59. As shown in Figure 9, the opening or recess 58 is substantially larger than the stem 56, and received in the bottom of the opening 58 is a disc 66 against which the end of the stem 56 bears.

the float 30.

The purpose of the disc 66 is, in the first place, to obviate the necessity of forming the bottom of the recess 58 exactly in correspondence with the end of the stem 56 and, in the second place,

, the inherent resiliency of the disc 66 may be relied upon to yieldingly hold the valve closure 59 on the seat 61 when the flow of feed water through the valve housing 41 is stopped.

I shall now describe the connections between the valve stem 56 and the float arm 32 whereby, when the float rises and falls in the float housing 10 the valve closure 59 will be caused to open and close the valve 41 in the feed water supply line. The end of the float arm 32 extending beyond the pivot 34 is indicated by the reference numeral and this end is pivoted by means of a pivot pin 71 to a swinging link member 72 preferably of U-shaped or channel formation having an upper surface 73 and depending side portions 74, see Figure 6. The pivot pin 71 passes through openings in the side portions 74 and "s preferably maintained in position therein by being riveted to the side portions as best shown in Figure 4.

The swinging link member 72 is pivoted upon a swinging fulcrum or link '76 by means of a pivot pin 77 passing through the side portions 74 and maintained in position therein by means of cotter keys 78. Referring more particularly to Figure 2, it will be seen that when the float 30 rises from its full line position to the position indicated in dotted lines the float arm 32 will be swung in a counter clockwise direction about the pivot 34 which in turn will swing the member 72 in a clockwise direction about the pivot 77, the swinging fulcrum or link- 76 swinging the pivot pin 77 forward so that the pins 34, 71 and 77 take a position substantially in a straight line, as shown in Figure 3, which shows the float 30 in its upper position in full lines.

This back and forth movement of the pivot pin 77 occasioned by the riseand fall of the float 30 is utilized to open and close the valve in the valve housing 41. The end of the valve stem 56 opposite the valve closure 59 is threaded to adjustably receive a yoke'member 80 having apertured ears 81 embracing the pivot pin 77, as best shown in Figure 4. From this figure it will also be observed that the yoke 80 is rigidly secured to the stem 56, and that the packing 55 restrains the latter in its movement to substantially a horizontal linear displacement. The swinging fulcrum or link 76 is pivoted to the intermediate housing 40 in a slot 83 in the lower portion thereof by means of a pivot pin 84 about which the link 76 and the pin 77 swing. Since the pin 77 swings about an arc and the yoke 80 is restrained to move in a linear direction the apertures 85 are formed in the shape'of vertically extending slots so as to accommodate the component pf vertical movement experienced by the pin 77 when the swinging fulcrum 76 pivots back and forth, the apertures or slots 85 being no wider than the diameter of the pin 77 the stem 56.moves in the slot in response to the slightest displacement of The side portions 74 of the swinging link member 72 are connected by a stop pin which, when the float is in the lower position, contacts with the lower side of the float arm 32 to limit the downward movement of the float 30, as shown in full lines in Figure 2.

The intermediate housing 40 is preferably secured to the closure 16 by means of stud bolts 87 passing through openings in the closure 16 and threaded into the flange 88 formed on the housing 40. The valve housing 41' is clamped to the other end of the housing 40 by means of set screws 90 threaded through the housing 41 and into the inwardly extending radial flange 91 formed on the other end of the intermediate housing 40. As best shown in Figures 2 and 3 the plate 53 is clamped between the housing 41 and the flange 91, there being a gasket of any suitable material interposed between the housing 41 and the plate 53 to seal these parts in leak tight relation. Clamped between the plate 53 and the flange 91 is apacking abutment 94 preferably formed of sheet metal and having a tapered extension surrounding the cylindrical boss 54 and provided with an aperture embracing the valve stem 56. The apertured extension is formed, as at 95, to provide an abutment shoulder against which the spring 96 bears. The other end of the spring 96 is received within a recess formed on the packing follower 97. The relation of the parts are such that the spring 96 is under considerable tension so as to thereby serve as means for compressing the packing 55 to maintain the same tight relation against the stem 56 to prevent leakage of water from the valve housing 41 along the stem 56 and into the intermediate housing 40.

rom the structure so far described the operation of my improved feed water regulator is believed to be apparent. The float 30 rises and falls with variations of liquid level in the float housing 10, which liquid level by virtue of the connections 4 and 5, is the same as or proportioned to the liquid level in the boiler l. The float arm 32 will thereby be caused to swing up and down which will, through the connections 72, 76 and 80, occasion the displacement of the valve stem 56 one way or the other, according to whether the float rises or falls. If the float 30 falls the valve closure 69 will be drawn away from the seat 51 thereby establishing communication between the feed line 42 and the boiler 1 through the pipe line 43. Thus water from a source of supply connected to the feed pipe 42 will be directed into the boiler 1 and will raise the water level therein until the float rises sufficient to move the valve stem 56 to the right in Figures 2 and 3 to thereby cause the valve closure to seat against the member 51 thereby cutting off communication between the'boiler and the source of supply and shutting off the ingress of water. In low pressure boilers and similar installations, the feed line 42 may be connected directly to the city mains, and this is also true in case the regulator 7 is applied to feed water heaters which-do not operate under pressure. It is to be understood, however, that my improved regulator is just as applicable to pressure boilers,

all that is necessary is that the source of supply be under a pressure suflicient to cause the water to flow into theboiler.

It will be observed that by virtue of the sealed bellows 37 and the packing means 5594 the intermediate housing is not subjected to either the pressure or liquid in the boiler or the pressure or liquid in the feed line 42-43. Preferably the intermediate housing 40 is open to atmospheric pressure and has its upper part cut away to provide a relatively large opening 100, see Figure 3, which may be closed by a closure plate 101 secured to the housing by means of screws 102. Threaded bosses 103 may be provided to receive the screws 102 and these bosses 103 serve as spacing means for spacing the closure plate 101 above the lateral edges of the opening 100, as best shown in Figures 6 and 10. This construction provides for the cir- Fil j culation of air through the intermediate housing so as to prevent any material heat transmission between the float housing 10 and the valve housing 41. Air can enter the intermediate housing through the lower slot 83 in which the link 76 is pivoted and can escape through the spaces 104 underneath the marginal portions of the removable plate 101, see Figures 6 and 10. The movement of the air through the intermediate housing is thus directed into thermal relation with respect to the connections herein.

In connection with the intermediate housing another feature of importance is to be noted. The closure plate 101 may be easily removed for the purpose of inspecting and oiling the parts and connections in the intermediate housing 40 without affecting in any way the continuous operation of the feed water control, and this removable closure plate 101 also serves the important function of allowing circuit controlling means to be mounted thereon when and if desirable.

Figure 3 shows one form of a switch for controlling an electric circuit. This switch, indicated in its entirety by the reference numeral 105 may be mounted by means of a base portion 106 directly on a closure plate 101' exactly the same as the closure plate 101 shown in Figure 6 except that this closure plate 101' is provided with the switch 105 as described. The particular switch mechanism shown in Figure 3 includes a downwardly extending switch actuating rod or projection 107, preferably of insulating material, the lower end of which is provided with a bolt 108 threaded into the insulating rod 107 and fixedly secured thereto in adjusted position by means of a lock nut 109. The end of the bolt 108 is adapted to be contacted by a portion of the swinging link member 72, this portion being indicated by the reference numeral 110 in Figure 3. To accommodate this arrangement the member 72, or at least the portion 110 thereof, is disposed adjacent the removable closure plate, whereby the actuation of the switch or other mechanism is greatly facilitated. In Figure 3 the float 30 is shown in its upper position in full lines and when in this position the abutment portion 110 does not contact with the switch operating bolt 108. When, however, the float 30 falls to its lowermost position, that shown in dotted lines in Figure 3, the abutment 110 contacts the bolt 108 and lifts the same upwardly to open the switch 105. It is to be understood however, that when the switch mechanism 105 is employed the bolt 108 is so adjusted that normal variations in the level of water in the float housing 10, causing minor oscillations of the float 30, will not cause the swinging link member 72 to contact with the bolt 108. Under abnormal conditions, as when the boiler is foaming or when the water is being evaporated faster than feed water can flow in through the feed line 42-43, the float 30 will fall to its lowermost position and in doing so will throw the switch 105.

The switch 105 may be of any desired commercial or well known form and my invention is not concerned with the particular type of switch mechanism employed. I have chosen, however, to illustrate my invention in conjunction with the switch mechanism 105 which includes a pair of contacts 112 and 113, the contact 112 being relatively fixed while the contact 113 is mounted upon an arm 114 which forms one leg of a lever or bell crank pivoted at 115 to the switch casing and having a second arm 116 to which the rod member 107 is secured. In this particular type of switch the contacts 112 and 113 are manually set, as by 2.

button 120, to establish or close an electric circuit, and when the water falls too low in the boiler the float 30 will fall, whereupon the rod 107 will be raised, thereby opening the circuit by separating the contacts 112 and 113.

The switch mechanism 105 may be employed to actuate any desired type of alarm, as may be desired, but, preferably, I propose to associate the same with the oil burner 3 so that when the boiler 1 is operating under abnormal conditions, such as those named above, the float 30 will operate to open the circuit through the switch mechanism 105 and thereby shut 01f the oil burner 3 to prevent overheating or injuring the boiler 1.

An important part of my invention is included in the feature of the removable plate 101. By means of such structure my improved regulator is just as easily adapted for installations where the boiler is fired by means other than an oil burner, such as indicated by the reference numeral 3 in Figure 1.

When and if a boiler provided with my improved regulator is changed from one type of burner or heating means to another all that is necessary to do is to remove the plate 101 and install the switch mechanism 105, in case the new installation includes an electrically driven oil burner, or n case it is desired, for any reason whatsoever, to dispense with the oil burner type of heater all that is necessary to do is to remove the switch mechanism together with the plate 101 and substitute therefor the plate 101, a mere matter of a few minutes work. In removing or installing the switch mechanism 105 no change whatsoever is necessary in the operating connections between the float 30 and the feed water valve 41, nor is it necessary to temporarily shut off the communication of the float housing 10 with the boiler 1 or the communication of the valve 41 with either the conduit leading to the source of supply or the conduit leading to the boiler itself.

When operating without the switch mechanism 105 and its feature of automatic burner control and it is discovered that the water in the boiler is not being replenished at the proper rate all that is necessary to do is to open the valve 48 for a short period of time permitting water to flow into the boiler directly from the feed line ure 2 but has an annular groove in which is received a flexible bellows or metallic packing 131 similar to but smaller than the bellows 37 associated with the float arm 32. Preferably, the bellows 131 is seated in the groove 130 and then secured therein in leak tight relation by filling the groove with solder or the like, as best shown in Figure 12.

The valve stem 56 in this modification is quite similar to the valve stem shown in Figure 2 and,

like the one there shown, has one end threaded.

In this modification, however, the yoke 80 is not rigidly secured to the valve stem 56 but is loosely mounted thereon. To secure this type of mounting the threaded end of the valve stem 56 is formed with a flange or head 133 turned thereon is and which serves as an abutment for a collar 134 against which the yoke 80, loosely mounted on the stem 56, is received. A pair of lock nuts 135 cooperate with the flanged head 133. In this manner the yoke 80 is capable of a limited amount of rocking movement relative to the stem 56 but is prevented from moving axially thereon.

The threaded end of the valve stem 56 receives a cap or end plate 136 to which the other end of the bellows 131 is secured by soldering, and preferably the cap 136 is soldered onto the valve stem 56 so as to assure an absolutely leak tight joint between the valve stem 56 and the plate 53.

The plate 53 is provided with a central opening 137 slightly larger than the diameter of the valve stem 56 so that thelatter has a loose fit therein. A pair of apertures 139 are formed in the plate 53 and spaced so as to provide communication between the interior of the small bellows packing 131 and the outlet side of the valve housing 41.

While I have shown only two of such apertures it is to be understood that more or less may be provided, and in fact they may be dispensed with if the opening 137 is made sufiiciently large. The valve closure 59 is loosely mounted onto the forward end of the valve 56 in exactly the same manner disclosed above in connection with Fig ure 9.

\ By virtue of the openings 139 and the opening 137 the bellows 131 is subjected, as indicated above, to the pressure in the valve housing 11. An important advantage is realized from this construction in that this pressure is operative to open the valve 59 with a snap action. This will be understood by referring to Figure 10. As the float valve 30 carrying the float arm 32 has fallen due to a lowered water level the points 34, 71 and '77 are no longer in line with one another and hence the pressure within the valve housing 41 acts interiorly of the bellows 131 tending to force the valve stem 56 toward the left in Figure 10. Since the points mentioned are not in line this force is effective to quickly open the valve 59 and move it away from its seat 61.

The reverse operation is also realized, that is, when the boiler is being filled and the float 30 and its float arm 32 is gradually raised the points 3 1, 71 and 77 approach a straight line, and hence the pressure against the bellows 131 becomes increasingly ineffective to hold the valve 59 open, whereas before the float arm approached a straight line position the pressure against the bellows 131 retarded to a certain extent the movement of the valve 59. Thus at the time that the valve 59 approaches its seat 61 the pressure on the bellows 131 which formerly tended to hold the valve open is no longer effective so that now the seating of the valve 59 is accomplished with a sort of snap action. This operation is somewhat accentuated'due to the fact that the pressure against the bellows 131 is greater when the valve 59 is open than it is when it is closed, due to the fact that the pressure in the water supply or feed pipe 42 is somewhat greater than the pressure in the boiler and in the conduit 43.

While the bellows 37 and 131 are not the same size it is to be observed that when the valve 59 is closed the points 34, 71 and '77 are in a straight line and therefore the pressure on one bellows tends to ofiset the pressure on the other. so as to relieve the joints in the valve operating connections of any excessive lateral strain.

The bellows. 131 is flexible inall directions and hence the valve stem 56 may partake of a limited amount of swinging and, as pointed out above,

the yoke 80 is also capable of a limited amount of swinging or rocking on the valve stem 56. By virtue of this construction the yoke 80 is not required to have an elongated slot such 'as the one shown in Figure 8 to accommodate the vertical component of movement of the pin- '77. Instead, the yoke 80 may be firmly secured to the pin '77 or have a simple journal fit thereon.

While I have described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings the preferred embodiment of my invention, it is to be understood that my invention is not to be limited to the specific means shown and described but that, in fact, widely different means may be employed in the practice of the broader aspects of my invention.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A float controlled valve comprising, in combination, a float housing having an inlet and an outlet, a closure for the housing, a float arm pivoted to said closure and having a portion extending into the float housing with a float thereon, and a portion extending outside said closure, a second. housing secured to the first housing and enclosing the outer end of the float arm, means effecting a liquid tight seal between said first and second housings, a third housing secured to the second housing and provided with fluid flow control means, means operatively connecting the outer'end of said float arm and said control means whereby the position ,of the float governs the operation of said control means, and sealing means between said second and third housings.

2. A boiler feed regulator comprising, in combination, a float housing, connections between the upper and lower parts of said housing and the boiler, a feed line connected with a source of supply and said boiler and including a valve housing, a valve in said valve housing and having a stem extending through the valve housing, an intermediate housing connecting the float housing and the valve housing and open to atmosphere, the liquid level responsive float in the float housing, and connections therefrom to said valve stem including movable parts in the intermediate housing and means mounted on the last mentioned housing and supporting one of said movable parts.

3. A boiler feed regulator comprising, in combination, a float housing, connections between the upper and lower parts of said housing and the boiler, ea feed line connected with a source of supply and said boiler and including a valve housing, a valve in said valve housing and having 4. A boiler feed regulator comprising, in combination, a float housing, connections between the upper and lower parts of said housing and the boiler, a feedline connected with a source of supply and said boiler and including a valve housing, a valve in said valve housing and having a stem extending through the valve housing, an

intermediate housing connecting the float housing and the valve housing and open to atmosphere, a partition plate between the float housing and the intermediate housing, a float arm pivoted thereto and having a float responsive to the liquid level in the float housing, sealing means between the float arm and plate, operative connections between the float arm and the valve stem, and stop means associated with said connections for limiting the movement of the float.

5. A liquid level control mechanism comprising a float chamber having an opening at one side thereof with an outwardly directed flange, a float therein, a float arm movably supporting the float and extending at one end from the flanged opening of the float chamber, an intermediate housing having a detachable cover plate and secured to the flange around said opening, a valve housing rigidly connected with the float chamber in spaced relation and including valve parts operable to control a fluid line, and connections between the valve parts and said end of the float arm disposed in said intermediate housing, the detachable cover for the latter being disposed adjacent certain of said connections.

6. A liquid level control mechanism comprising a float chamber, a float therein, a float arm movably supporting the float and extending at one end from the float chamber, an intermediate housing having a detachable cover plate and removably secured to the float chamber, a valve housing removably secured to the intermediate housing and including valve parts operable to control a fluid line, connections between the valve parts and said end of the float arm, and packing means sealing oi the intermediate housing from the valve housing and from the float chamber.

7. A feed water controller for boilers and the like comprising, in combination, a housing in communication with the boiler, liquid level responsive means movably mounted in the housin a feed water conduit including a valve, said valve including a housing and a stem, an intermediate housing secured to the float housing and to the valve housing, operating connections between the liquid level responsive means and the stem and enclosed by said intermediate housing, packing and a packing follower for the valve stem, an abutment clamped between the valve housing and said intermediate housing, and a spring tensioned between the abutment and said packing follower.

8. A valve comprising, in combination, a housing, inlet and outlet connections therefor, said connections being separated by a partition having a valve seat, an axially movable valve stem, a self centering valve closure loosely mounted on said stem and controlling fluid flow through said seat, resilient means interposed between said stem and said closure, liquid level responsive means for operating said valve stem, and means to eflect a liquid tight seal between the stem and the housing.

9. A valve comprising, in combination, a valve housing, a support to which the housing is secured, inlet and outlet connections for the housing, said connections being separated by a partition having a valve seat, a valve closure controlling fluid flow through said seat, an operating stem for said closure projecting through said valve housing, packing means for said stem, a plate secured between the housing and said support, means to compress said packing, and spring means confined between said plate and saidlast mentioned means.

10. A valve comprising a housing, an apertured partition, a valve seat secured in said aperture, a conical valve closure adapted to close said seat and prevent liquid flow therethrough, a stem upon which the closure is loosely mounted, and a resilient disc having movement of flexure and disposed between the end of said stem and said closure and operative to provide for limited relative movement therebetween.

11. A liquid level control mechanism comprising a float chamber, a float therein, a float arm movably supporting the float and extending from the float chamber, an intermediate housing secured to the float housing, a valve secured to said intermediate housing and including a longitudinally movable stem, a yoke secured thereto and provided with vertical slots, a link member pivoted to the float arm and having pivot means received within said slots, and a link swingably supporting said link member on the intermediate housing and connected to said member to swing relatively thereto coaxially with said pivot means.

12. A liquid level control mechanism comprising a float chamber, a float therein, a vertically swinging float arm movably supporting the float and extending from the float chamber, an intermediate housing secured to the float housing, a valve secured to said intermediate housing and including a longitudinally movable stem, a yoke secured thereto and provided with vertical slots, a vertically swinging link member pivotally connected to the float arm and having a pivot pin received within said slots for relative vertical movement, and a horizontally swinging supporting link pivoted to the intermediate housing and to said pivot pin whereby vertical swinging of 110 said float arm occasions longitudinal movement of said stem.

13. A liquid level control mechanism comprising a float chamber, a float therein, a vertically swinging float arm movably supporting the float 115 and extending from the float chamber, an intermediate housing secured to the float housing, a valve secured to said intermediate housing and including a longitudinally movable stem, a yoke secured thereto and provided with vertical slots, 120 a vertically swinging link member pivotally connected to the float arm and having a pivot pin received within said slots for relative vertical movement, and a horizontally swinging supporting link pivoted to the intermediate housing and 125 to said pivot pin whereby vertical swinging of said float arm occasions longitudinal movement of said stem, said link member having a stop to limit the downward. movement of the float and a switch operating contact projection thereon.

14. A boiler feed regulator comprising, in combination, a float housing in communication with the boiler, a feed line for conveying feed water to the boiler, a valve in said line, a float in said housing, connections between said float and said valve whereby the valve is controlled by the position of the float, an intermediate housing secured at one end to the float housing and to the valve at the other end and enclosing said connections, and circuit controlling means mounted on the intermediate housing and adapted to be operated by said connections.

15. A boiler feed regulator comprising, in combination, a float housing in communication with the boiler, a feed line for conveying feed water 1 to the boiler, a valve in said line, a float in said housing, connections between said float and said valve whereby the valve is controlled by the position of the float, an intermediate housing secured at one end to the float housing and to the valve 150 at the other end and enclosing said connections, a removable plate on said intermediate housing, and circuit controlling means mounted on the removable plate and adapted to be operated by said connections.

16. A float controlled valve comprising, in combination, a float housing having an inlet and an outlet, a closure for the housing, a float arm pivoted to said closure and having a portion extending into the float housing with a float thereon and a portion extending outside said closure, a second housing secured to the first housing and enclosing the outer end of the float arm, a liquid tight resilient bellows sealed to the arm and closure, a valve housing removably secured to the second housing, a self centering valve in the housing and having an operating stem projecting therethrough, packing for said stem, a spring pressed packing follower to maintain said packing tight, the outer end of said stem being threaded, a yoke secured thereto and provided with vertical slots, a link member pivoted to the float arm and having pivot means received within said slots, a horizontally swinging supporting link pivoted to the second housing and to said pivot means whereby vertical swinging of said float arm occasions longitudinal movement of hit said stem, said link member having a stop to limit the downward movement'of the float and an abutment on the upper side thereof, a removable plate on the second housing, said second housing being open to atmosphere, and a circuit controlling switch mounted on said removable plate and having a switch operating rod adapted to be contacted by said abutment when thefloat is in its lower position.

17. A liquid level control mechanism comprising a float housing, a float therein, a float arm movably supporting the float and extending from the float housing, an intermediate housing secured to the float housing and extending laterally therefrom, valve means secured. to said intermediate housing and including a longitudinally movable valve stem, connecting means between said stem and said float arm, and means carried by the intermediate housing for guiding said connecting means independently of said valve stem.

l8. A liquid level control mechanism comprising a float housing, afloat therein, a float arm movably supporting'the float and extending from the float housing, an intermediate housing secured to thefloat housing and extending laterally therefrom and having .an open end, a valve housing supported from said float housing at said end of the intermediate housing and having a valve including a longitudinally movable stern, said float and valve housings being normally subjected to diflerent temperatures, and connecting means between the float arm and the longitudinally movable stem.

19. A liquid level control mechanism comprising a float housing, a float therein, a swinging float arm movably supporting the float and extending from the float housing, an intermediate housing secured to the float housing, a valve secured to said intermediate housing and including a movable stem, a yoke secured thereto and provided with slots, a swinging link member pivotally connected to the float arm and having a pivot pin received within said slots for relative movement, and a swinging supporting link pivoted to the intermediate housing and to said pivot pin whereby swinging of said float arm occasions movement of said stem.

20. A liquid level control mechanism for boiler feeders and the like and comprising a float housing, a float therein, a float arm movably supporting the float and extending from the float housing, a valve housing mechanically connected with the float housing and spaced therefrom in ther mally separated relation, temperature and pressure conditions within the valve housing being independent of the temperature and pressure conditions in said float housing, valve means movably mounted in said valve housing and including a movable stem, means acting as a toggle disposed in exposedposition between said valve housing and said float housing for connecting said float arm with said stem to move the same, and means providing for the circulation of air between said float and valve housings in and around said exposed connecting means.

21. A liquid level control mechanism comprising a float chamber, a float therein, a float arm movably supporting the float and extending at one end from the float chamber, an intermediate housing secured to the float chamber, a valve housing secured to the intermediate housing and including valve parts operable to control a fluid line, connections between the valve parts and the float arm, and means comprising spaced vents providing for the circulation of air in the intermediate housing and around said connections.

22. A liquid level controlmechanism comprising a float chamber, a float therein, a float arm movably supporting the float and extending at one end from the float chamber, a valve housing including a valve adapted to control a fluid line, means maintaining said float chamber and valve housing in spaced apart relation, and means for directing a flow of medium therebetween for modifying the transmission of heat between said chamber and housing.

23. A liquid level control mechanism comprising a float chamber, a float therein, a float arm movably supporting the float and extending at one end from the float chamber, a valve housing including a valve adapted to control a fluid line, means maintaining said float chamber and valve housing in spaced apart relation, and means for directing a flow of cooling medium therebetween for modifying the transmission of heat between said chamber and housing.

24. A liquid level control mechanism comprising a float chamber, a float therein, a float arm movably supporting the float and extending at one end from the float chamber, a valve hous= ing including a valve adapted to control a fluid line means maintaining said float chamber and valve housing in spaced apart relation, connections between said valve and float arm and extending across the space therebetween, and means providing'for a flow of fluid between said chamber and housing in thermal relation with said connections .for modifying the transmission of heat between said chamber and housing.

25. A feed water regulator for boilers and the like and comprising, in combination, a float housing having an inlet and an outlet subjected i to boiler temperatures and pressures, a closure for the housing, a float arm movably supported relative to the float housing and having a portion extending into the float housing with a float thereon and a portion extending outside said closure, a second housing secured to the first housing and enclosing the outer end of the float arm, means effecting a liquid tight seal between said first and second housings, a valve housing rigidly supported in spaced relation with respect to the float housing and provided with fluid flow control means, said valve housing being subjected to feed water temperatures and pressures, sealing means between said fluid flow control means and the valve housing, and means subjected to the temperature and pressure conditions in said second housing for operatively connecting the outer end of said float arm and said control means whereby the position of the float governs the operation of said control means.

26. A boiler feed regulator comprising, in combination, a float housing, a float disposed therein having a float arm, connections between the upper and lower parts of said housing and the boiler, a feed line connected with a source of supply and said boiler and including a valve housing, a valve in said valve housing and having a stem extending through the valve housing, a removable closure plate carried by the float housing, and stop means cooperating with the float arm for limiting the movement of the float.

2'7. A valve comprising, in combination, a housing, inlet and outlet connections therefor, said connections being separated by a partition having a valve seat, an axially movable valve stem, a self centering valve closure controlling fluid flow through said seat, a deformable member interposed between the inner end of said stem and said closure, liquid level responsive means for operating said valve stem, and means to eflect a liquid tight seal between the stem and the housing.

28. A liquid level control mechanism comprising a float housing, a float therein, a swinging float arm movably supporting the float and extending from the float housing, an intermediate housing secured to the float housing, valve means rigidly mounted with respect to said float housing and including a housing, a movable stem and sealing means for the stem, and means carried by one of said housings and spaced from said sealing means for guiding the movement of said stem.

29. A boiler feed regulator comprising, in combination, a float housing in communication with the boiler, a feed line for conveying feed water to the boiler, a valve in said line, a float in said housing, connections between said float and said valvewhereby the valve is controlled by the position of the float, an intermediate housing secured to the float housing and enclosing said connections, and circuit controlling means removably mounted on the exterior of said intermediate housing and including means extending into the intermediate housing to be operated by said connections.

30. A boiler feed regulator comprising, in combination, a float housing in communication with the boiler, a feed line for conveying feed water to the boiler, a valve in said line, a float in said housing, connections between said float and said valve whereby the valve is controlled by the position of the float, an intermediate housing secured to the float housing and enclosing said connections, a removable plate on said intermediate housing, and circuit controlling means mounted on the removable plate and including a part extending through an opening in said plate and into the intermediate housing to be operated by said connections.

31. A liquid level control mechanism comprising a float chamber, a float therein, a float arm movably supporting the float and extending at one end from the float chamber, an intermediate housing secured to the float chamber, a valve housing supported by the float chamber and including valve parts operable to control a fluid line, connections between the valve parts and the float arm, and means comprising spaced vents providing for the circulation of air in the intermediate housing and around said connections.

32. A liquid level control mechanism comprising a float chamber, a float therein, a float arm movably supporting the float and extending at one end from the float chamber, an intermediate housing secured to the float chamber, a valve housing supported by the float chamber and including valve parts operable to control a fluid line, connections between the valve parts and the float arm, and means including an opening in the lower portion of the intermediate housing and vents above said lower opening, thereby providing for the circulation of air in the intermediate housing and around said connections.

33. A liquid level control'mechanism comprising a float chamber, a float therein, a float arm movably supporting the float and extending from the float chamber, the extended end of said float arm being disposed exterior of the float chamber, means carried by the float chamber and providing a pivotal support for the float arm exterior of the float chamber, separate means sealing the float arm to the chamber, a valve housing including a valve therein having a stem projecting therefrom, means mechanically connecting said float chamber and said valve housing in rigid but thermally separated relation, and exposed connections removed from both temperature and pressure conditions in either the float chamber or the valve housing and comprising a toggle of which said extended end of the float arm acts as one part thereof, the other part of the toggle being connected with said valve stem.

34. A liquid level control mechanism comprising a float chamber, a float therein, a float arm movably supporting the float and extending from the float chamber, means carried by the float chamber and providing a pivotal support for the float arm exterior of the float chamber, separate means sealing the float arm to the chamber, a valve housing including a valve therein having a stem projecting therefrom, means mechanically connecting said float chamber and said valve housing in rigid but thermally separated relation, exposed connections removed from both temperature and pressure conditions in either the float chamber or the valve housing and comprising a toggle operatively connecting the float arm with said valve stem, and means also out of contact with the interior of the valve housing for guiding said valve stem.

35. A liquid level control mechanism comprising a float chamber, a float therein, a float arm movably supporting the float and extending from the float. chamber, means carried by the float chamber and providing a pivotal support for the float arm including a pair of laterally spaced ears disposed outside the float chamber, a mechanical bellows seal between the float arm and the float chamber, a valve housing including a valve therein having a stem projecting therefrom, a

mechanical bellows seal between the valve hous-* tively connecting the float arm with said valve stem.

36. A liquid level control mechanism comprising a float chamber; a float therein, a float arm movably supporting the float and extending from the float chamber, there being an opening in the float chamber accommodating the extended end of said float arm, a closure for said opening, a pair of spaced outwardly extending ears on said closure and providing a pivotal support for the extended end of said float arm exterior of the float chamber, separate means sealing the float arm to the chamber, a valve housing including a valve therein having a stem projecting therefrom, means mechanically connecting said float chamber and said valve housing in rigid but thermally separated relation, and exposed connections re- I oved from both temperature and pressure contions in either the float chamber or the valve housing and including power multiplying means operatively connecting the extended end or said float arm with said valve stem.

37. A liquid level control mechanism for boilers and the like comprising a housing containing liquid level responsive means therein, a valve housing connected with said first housing in thermally separated relation, valve means. in said valve housing, exposed connections between said valve means and said liquid level responsive means, and means providing for a directed flow of air in thermal relation with said connections.

38. A liquid level control mechanism comprising a float chamber, a float therein, a float arm movably supporting the float and extending at one end from the float chamber, an intermediate housing secured to the float chamber, a device carried by said intermediate housing in spaced relation with respect to said float chamber and including a part to be actuated by said float, connections disposed in said intermediate housing between said part and the float arm, and means providing for a flow of medium around said connections for modifying the transmission of heat between said float chamber and said device.

39. A liquid level control mechanism comprising a float housing having a lateral open end, a closure member connected with said housing over said opening, a float arm movably supported relative to the float housing and having a portion extending into the float housing with a float thereon and a portion extending outside said closure, means carried by said closure member and providing a pivotal support for the float arm, said means including a pair of laterally spaced ears extending outwardly of said closure along side said float arm, a mechanical bellows seal extending longitudinally of said float arm between said laterally spaced ears and connected with the float arm and said closure, a second housing secured to the flrst housing and enclosing the outer end of the float arm, and a device carried by said second housing and operated by vertical movement of the outer end of said float arm. OSCAR F. CARLSON. 

